Pune: Social distancing markings fade, 6ft gap regulation goes for a toss

PUNE: The white and yellow circles and boxes marked outside commercial establishments across the city to ensure social distancing are fading fast and sights of people standing dangerously close to each other, with many of their masks pulled down to the chin or neck, are becoming common.

Vendors at Mahatma Phule Mandai used to take pride in being among the first in the city to have markings in front of their stalls to ensure social distancing.But the scene has changed with crowding becoming common in front of the same stalls with the Covid-19 cases showing a downward trend. Even the big supermarket chains that had launched the “token” system to allow the customers in batches inside during the lockdown have let go off the discipline.

“Since April, I had to wait in a queue standing within the boxes at every 6ft distance to enter a supermarket near my house. A guard would check whether the safe distance was being maintained and send customers inside in batches. But ever since the ‘unlock’ started, the colours of the boxes faded and the queues gradually vanished. People seem to have forgotten all the precautions,” Old Sangvi resident Kalpesh Jadhav said.
Though the Federation of Trade Associations of Pune has issued strict guidelines to all shops about protocols, a trader said, “It is not always possible to maintain social distancing, as that often results in losing a customer. We are left with no option but to entertain one and all.”
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation bus depot at Swargate witnesses chaos everyday with little adherence to social distancing. People can be seen standing close to each other while buying tickets at the counters or waiting for buses. A passenger said, “The Covid-19 cases have reduced now. Moreover, it is not always possible to follow social distancing. Finally, there is no one to see or check.”
An official at the depot said, “Everyone knows that social distancing and personal and public hygiene are important to stay safe during the pandemic. But keeping an eye on everyone round the clock is not possible. However, our staffers move around and tell the people to follow norms.”
The situation at the Pune railway station, on the other hand, is slightly better. Though crowding can be seen outside the main entrance, personnel from the Railway Protection Force and the Government Railway Police move around and tell people to remain patient and follow all norms. “We are maintaining a very strict watch along the platforms,” a railway official said.
Doctors and health experts said awareness and strict enforcement of the protocols have become the need of the hour to prevent a second wave of Covid-19. “The administration has to ensure strict control. Neither the people nor the government are serious about social distancing. There is a need for surprise checks in the markets and provisions for punishment if someone is found flouting the norms,” said Avinash Bhondwe, president of the Indian Medical Association’s Maharashtra chapter.
Health activist Abhijit More said aggressive awareness was a must, as the cases might spike after Diwali and during winter. “’Unlock’ has started and we cannot go backwards. The administration should engage with trade associations to ensure rules are followed in the markets,” he said.
Anish Shinde, a working professional, said, “If one is not wearing a mask, the police intercept you and levy fines. But there is nothing for social distancing, which is equally important. Crowds can be seen outside government offices also. We need to ensure strict compliance of social distance, masks and sanitizing to prevent a surge in cases once again.”
(With inputs from Joy Sengupta)